Having only picked one up for the first time in my life less than two years ago, I don't know a whole lot about guns*. I enjoy shooting my revolver, of course, but for a long time now I've wanted a little auto pistol to call my very own. I've been considering a 9mm, perhaps the Taurus PT 24/7 compact or something comparable, but I've never really been satisfied with the aesthetics of polymer frames. Sure, they're fun to shoot and are useful, dependable tools but I've never seen one that made me say, "
ooooo!" like the design of a M1911 does. And until now, I thought that M1911-type pistols were too large for concealed carry and came in nothing smaller than 9mm.
But a few days ago,
RobertaX posted this:
(I'm in yr internets, stealin yr photos!)
and then, a couple of days after that,
Marko posted this:
Is it a petty thing that I want my pistol to be pretty?
*this could become really obvious because I might have incorrectly guessed that the two pistols pictured are in the M1911 style, small and of a lesser caliber than 9mm. As I've said, I'm learning!
20 comments:
In the 80s Colt made a scaled down 1911 in .380 in both blued and stainless.
This is the govt. model .380, not the Mustang which is just not the same quality.
http://www.gunsamerica.com/922445446/Guns/Pistols/Colt-Automatic-Pistols/Colt_Government_380.htm
Don't neglect James Bond's old favorite, the Walther PPK, which can be had in .380 and stainless steel. With proper care and good choice of cartridge it will have reasonable stopping power.
I agree with Bob about the PPK; I have a 1946 PPK in 32 ACP ("7.65mm" in the Bond books!). I just got back from running four miles with it in a fanny pack.
But Roberta is an excellent resource for carry pistols, and Tam knows revolvers, so they've got it covered.
I don't know much about the operation of the Browning BDA but the control layout leads me to believe it's more like a Beretta than a 1911. Food for thought.
regarding the PPK...a financially-minded alternative could be the Bersa .380 - that's what i have, and MAN do i love it.
Go Check out the Springfield EMP. They essentially took a M1911 Officer and put a shrink-ray to her. Its in 9mm (and now .40 S&W) and all steel construction. Its super small, but its a fair bit heavy. That's a turn off for me, I'd rather a lighter full-size, but it DOES mean that the recoil is probably very managable.
I say this mostly because of your picture of Roberta's .380 Colt. The EMP I consider the modern sucessor to the Mustang-type pocket pistol.
In firing a lot of guns I have found the recoil of 9mm easier to control, as .380 seems to torque, & even Lady D says 9mm is more comfortable. (Not to mention a little cheaper as to cost of ammo)
If you like 9mm you might check out the Browning Hi Power or one of it's clones. I carry one everyday, & find it easy to conceal on all 5 ft 3 of me. As to plastic pistols the S&W M&P bears looking into it has 3 back straps to adjust the fit, I believe there is an ongoing rebate of $50, + 2 free mags.
Breda,
You might also look at some of the Kahr steel models, available in chamberings from 9mm up to .45, and small enough to slip into a pocket.
Your mileage may vary.
--Jim
+1 on the Springfield EMP if you have the $$$ (and it's a lot of $$$). But worth it - an excellent little gun. Best trigger I've ever felt, on ANY gun, period.
I'd second the Springer EMP, but I have not had a chance to shoot one.
The Khar steel frame guns were unpleasant for me to shoot, the polymer were much better. I realize you don't like polymer, so I wouldn't suggest the Khar.
The PPK/S is also a good choice.
AE
"Is it a petty thing that I want my pistol to be pretty?"
I certainly wouldn't make it a primary consideration, but if you have the choice between two equally good guns, and you pick the pretty one, then it isn't a problem. My wife who is also in the market for a new gun keeps thinking about one of the pretty stainless 1911 clones... because they shoot well, fit her hand, and are reliable. But they are also pretty. The thing is, she just shot a Glock for the first time and REALLY liked how it felt. So she's leaning towards getting a Glock even though they are ugly as sin.
I'm a big fan of pretty guns myself, but I also wouldn't buy a carry piece based on appearances. The rest of your collection can be pretty, but your 24/7 gun should be reliable, powerful enough, and comfortable to wear.
Any pistol that you are comfortable carrying, shooting and cleaning (?) is a great pistol, engraving and inlay and special wood carvings are stylish but don't make the blasting better that I have noticed. Saying that remember that the knife in your second picture is never unloaded and always dangerous and even less of a burden - one just has to be hugging distance to be most effective with it - don't throw your knife, unless you are in Hollywood... and they have machines for that. That is a great knife there...
I think so long as the implement performs as you need it to, then there's nothing questionable about considering aesthetics when it comes to choosing any tool. That last photo is REALLY pretty. I'd be tempted, too.
I think my little snubby is cute, though, and until I get the full complement of basic guns I want, function and economy will have to trump aesthetics.
You could always buy a "plain" looking gun and have it refinished by someone like CCR or Tripp's.
http://www.imageviper.com/displayimage/103759/0/oemgrips1.JPG
I'm currently having one of my P6 sildes done in the above finish by CCR.
Roberta's holster is a good choice, too. I have a similar one, a DeSantis "Nemesis". It has a slippery interior and a "tacky" exterior surface, so that if you need to draw in a hurry, the holster will stay in your pocket. Mine fits either the PPK or a Detective Special. The holster slides into a pants pocket; covers the trigger and prevents "print-through".
I find the PPK to be very snappy in recoil- but if you like the design and want a good copy that is well made and affordable, look at the PA-63 can still be found for under 200 dollars and is a great little import. it is in 9mm makarov, so it has the potential to be a bit more potent than the 380.
small autos are tough- good luck in your search!
OT: I haven't seen you trapped by THIS meme yet, Breda...
Meme
Another vote for the Bersa .380 -- and they even make it with pretty gold highlights:
http://www.softgreenglow.com/wp/?p=3014
Range report here: http://www.softgreenglow.com/wp/?p=3014
Gunblast also recently did a review of the gold version.
Whoops. Here's the correct link to my range report: http://www.softgreenglow.com/wp/?p=3523
And you can find a link to the Gunblast review here: http://www.softgreenglow.com/wp/?p=5082
bersa was one of the top small pistols i sold in my last eight or ten years as an ffl; they equally fit and appeal to women and men...and the price point was a big factor for those who didn't want a clunky-heavy-unpretty hundred dollar gun, and those who just couldn't or wouldn't spend four or five hundred bucks...at two or two-fifty they are a great little occasional-use gun, though i will say i had a fair number of out-of-the-box flaws.
i don't know just which revolver you own, but there are few handguns of any type that are more capable, functional, reliable, and beautiful than wifey's s&w m60 ladysmith; satin stainless with rosewood grips and beautiful script lettering...and virtually failsafe under the stressful circumstances when it might most be needed.
but if you gotta go auto, i'd go ahead and spend the four or five hun for the walther, sig, or look at the naa dao .32 and .380; a little pricey but gorgeous and almost revolverlike in functionality...and if you get past your aversion to poly (which you should for a daily carry) the kel tecs and new ruger are hard to beat...
give a good gun shop or gun and pawn store a chance to show you these and others; i always told customers that a handgun is a little like a mate...it has to fit and feel comfortable or all the functionality in the world doesn't get it up...and when you choose, they should be willing to order whatever configuration you want for true cost plus $40-$50; worthwhile to them and a lot better than messing around online or at itenerant shows in choosing something so personal and critical...good luck!...jtc
Post a Comment